5.2. ECCSR 11-16-2016June 2016
Greenhouse Gas
Baseline Inventory
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
Introduction 1
o Background
o The Carbon Cycle and the Role of Greenhouse Gases
o Man-Made Greenhouse Contributions
o Minnesota Climate Change Impacts
o Why Measure?
o Methodology, Terminology, and Sources
o Normalization for Weather
o Graphic Representations
Executive Summary 3
o Summary of Inventory Results
o Community Comparisons
o Opportunities for Reduction
o Potential Next Steps for City of Elk River
City Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory 4
o City Operations Buildings and Grounds
o City Operations Streetlights and Signals
o City Operations Vehicles
o City Operations Travel and Transportation
o City Operations Water and Wastewater Utilities
o City Operations Solid Waste
o Total City Operations GHG Inventory
ERMU Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory 11
o ERMU Operations Buildings and Grounds
o ERMU Operations Vehicles
o ERMU Operations Travel and Transportation
o ERMU Operations Solid Waste
o Total ERMU Operations GHG Inventory
Report Index
Appendix
o City Operations Buildings and Grounds Detail
o City Operations Streetlights and Signals Detail
o City Operations Vehicles Detail
o City Operations Travel and Transportation Detail
o City Operations Water and Wastewater Detail
o City Operations Solid Waste Detail
o ERMU Operations Buildings and Grounds Detail
o ERMU Operations Vehicles Detail
o ERMU Operations Travel and Transportation Detail
o ERMU Operations Solid Waste Detail
Background
In March 2016 the City of Elk River engaged Pale Blue Dot LLC to prepare a Greenhouse
Gas (GHG) baseline inventory for City Operations emissions. City Operations baseline
data was to be collected and calculated for the first time in this report.
The City of Elk River is committed to improved sustainability. Since 1997, the City has
been a designated Energy City by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency – a
designation of the City as a geographical focal point for the demonstration of efficient
and renewable energy products, services, and technologies. In October 2011, the City
began engagement in the Minnesota Greenstep Cities Program sponsored by the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Greenstep Cities is a challenge, assistance, and
recognition program supporting cities in achieving sustainability and quality-of-life goals.
This Greenhouse Gas Baseline Inventory report is designed both to meet the
requirements for the Greenstep Cities program, but also to provide a framework for on-
going dialogue in support of the City’s Energy City designation and overall sustainability
interest.
The Carbon Cycle and the Role of Greenhouse Gases
The Carbon Cycle is exchanged among the oceans, atmosphere, and ecosystem. This
cycle has been a closed, balanced system for hundreds of thousands of years. This
cycle is present in the atmosphere primarily as carbon dioxide and methane. These two
primary greenhouse gases uniquely allow light to pass while capturing infrared energy.
This “Greenhouse Effect” directly impacts Earth’s atmospheric energy and temperatures
– without the historic levels of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere, the average
surface temperature of the Earth would be 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Man-Made Greenhouse Contributions
As our current energy systems are fossil fuel based, nearly all products and services are
responsible for GHG emissions. This “Carbon Footprint” results from the emissions of fossil
fuels burned either directly, or indirectly in delivering that product or service.
Burning fossil fuels release hydrocarbons which have been outside the natural carbon
cycle for millions of years. These emissions have increased atmospheric greenhouse
gases by 40%, changing the chemistry and raising the total atmospheric energy and
contributing to climate change. According to the EPA, man-made carbon emissions
are likely to remain in our atmosphere for hundreds of years. Though unintended, our
individual actions and business operations are contributing to climate change impacts.
(https://www3.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/gases.html ).
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
1
Introduction
Since the preindustrial era, atmospheric concentrations of CO2 have
increased by nearly 30 percent and CH4 concentrations have more than
doubled. There is a growing international scientific consensus that this
increase has been caused, at least in part, by human activity, primarily
the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for such activities as
generating electricity and driving cars.
In international scientific circles a consensus is growing that the buildup of
CO2 and other GHGs in the atmosphere will lead to major environmental
changes such as (1) rising sea levels that may flood coastal and river
delta communities; (2) shrinking mountain glaciers and reduced snow
cover that may diminish fresh water resources; (3) the spread of infectious
diseases and increased heat-related mortality; (4) possible loss in
biological diversity and other impacts on ecosystems; and (5) agricultural
shifts such as impacts on crop yields and productivity.
Many uncertainties remain regarding the precise timing, magnitude, and
regional patterns of climate change and the extent to which mankind and
nature can adapt to any changes. It is clear, however, that changes will
not be easily reversed for many decades or even centuries because of
the long atmospheric lifetimes of GHGs and the inertia of the climate
system
According to the US EPA:
From “Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Management of Selected
Materials in Municipal Solid Waste” 1998
Minnesota Climate Change Impacts
Minnesota’s climate has already begun to change. Average temperatures in Minnesota
are 1.5 to 2 degrees warmer than they were in the 1980’s and seven of the State’s ten
warmest years on record have occurred in the last 15 years. Annual frequency of large
storms in Minnesota have more than doubled in the last 50 years, with a 70% increase
occurring in just the last decade. Minnesota has seen three “1,000 year” flash floods in
only 12 years and scientists anticipate occurrence of extreme weather to continue to
increase in frequency.
Climate change has already begun to impact the Minnesota economy. In 2013, the
State logged some of the highest severe weather-related claims in the country, and since
1997, 32 severe weather natural disasters cost Minnesota over $500,000,000. In addition,
University of Minnesota economists have calculated the health and environmental costs
of our fossil-fuel based electrical production at over $2,000,000,000 annually.
The State of Minnesota is responding to climate change and is focused on reducing the
State’s carbon emissions. The State’s 2007 Next Generation Energy Act established
climate mitigation goals which included a reduction of statewide greenhouse gas
emissions to at least 15% below 2005 levels by 2015, 30% below 2005 levels by 2025, and
80% below 2005 levels by 2050. Though the State has missed its first goal, progress has
been made and Statewide emissions were reduced between 2007 and 2010 a total of 3%.
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
2
Introduction
Normalization For Weather
The energy consumption associated with our buildings is very closely related to weather.
Colder winters demand more energy consumption to heat our buildings while hotter
summers require higher use of air conditioning to maintain temperatures. To facilitate
annual comparisons, building energy consumption and GHG emissions should be
understood not just in actual levels, but also normalized for weather conditions. This
enables a review of year over year GHG performance while filtering out factors which are
beyond the City’s control.
Weather Normalization is achieved by calculating a normalization factor comparing a
given year’s total Heating Degree Days (HDD) and Cooling Degree Days (CDD) against a
30 year average. These normalization factors are then applied to the portion of electrical
energy typically attributed to cooling and the portion of gas energy typically used for
building heat. It is assumed that 25% of all electricity consumption is for air conditioning
and for electrical normalization calculations is adjusted by the CDD factor. The remaining
75% of electrical use is unaffected. Similarly, 80% of gas usage in Minnesota is assumed to
be for building heating and is adjusted by the HDD factor while the remaining 20% is
unaffected in Normalized calculations.
Graphic Representations
Much of the emissions data reported in this Baseline Inventory report are also graphically
represented in terms of volume of atmosphere. These representations are a unique
hallmark of the Pale Blue Dot’s work and they are included in order to help facilitate an
increased awareness of the order of magnitude our collective emissions represent.
Volumetric calculations used in these graphics are based on the average atmospheric
volume occupied by carbon dioxide as calculated by the International Carbon Bank and
Exchange.
I have been struck again and again by how important
measurement is to improving the human condition.
Bill Gates
Why Measure?
As the management consultant and author Peter Drucker noted, “What gets measured
gets managed”. Measurement provides data both to understand where opportunities for
improvement exist as well as to understand and reward success. Measurement of GHG
emissions is the essential first step to successfully meet reduction goals. Establishing a
baseline emissions understanding and updating the data annually is a critical component
of meeting the emission reduction goals established by the City of Elk River’s adoption of
the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement as well as the Statewide reduction targets.
By undertaking this initiative to track emissions, the City of Elk River is yet again illustrating its
leadership in sustainability.
Methodology, Sources, and Terminology
This Greenhouse Gas Baseline Inventory is assembled based on the Greenhouse Gas
Protocol for businesses and communities established by GHG Protocol
(www.ghgprotocol.org/) and is consistent with the protocol established by ICLEI Local
Governments for Sustainability.
The community-wide emissions data referred to in this document are all from City of Elk
River’s reporting engagement in the Regional Indicator’s Initiative. The City Operations
emissions data are based on raw metrics collected by City of Elk River staff with emissions
calculations based on emission factors and Global Warming Potential (GWP) factors
established by various sources such as the United States Environmental Protection
Agency. All calculations in this document transparently show the emission factors being
used as well as source references.
The terminology used in this report is consistent with international Carbon Footprinting
protocols. Unless noted otherwise, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions shown in this
report are in CO2e: Carbon Dioxide Equivalent. CO2e is a standard for expressing the
impact of all greenhouse gas including those from pollutants such as methane and nitrous
oxide in terms of the equivalent amount of CO2 that would have the same impact. GHG
emissions are represented in Metric Tonnes (2,204.62 pounds) to be consistent with
Every 1 ounce CO2e
is equal to over 960
cubic inches of
Atmospheric
Greenhouse gas.
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
3
Potential Next Steps for the City of Elk River
We recommend City leadership implement the following:
1) Engage a consultant to work with City Leadership to develop a GHG Reduction goal and action
plan.
2) Engage a consultant for a detailed Facility Assessment, Energy Audit, and energy efficiency action
plan for the Public Safety, Ice Arena, and Waste Water facilities.
3) Explore the feasibility of installation of renewable energy generation on one or more City facility
4) Conduct a detailed waste sort study to span a minimum of one full week of collection
5)Develop a long-range vehicle replacement plan to migrate to electric and hybrid vehicles.
6)Explore Efficiency Programs focused on diesel engine retrofits, installation of auxiliary power units
7)Implement Public Transit Commuter Campaign building awareness among City staff by
communicating public transit routes, establish carpool groups, and communicate reimbursement
potentials available under December 2015 US Consolidated Appropriations Act (HR 2029)
Summary of Inventory Results
This report summarizes the Greenhouse Gas emissions inventory for both the City of Elk
River municipal operations as well as the Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) operations.
Those emissions are primarily reported separately, however, as a traditional function of
municipal public works, the emissions associated with street lighting have been reported
under the City of Elk River operations rather than ERMU.
The City and ERMU operate a total of 16 facilities, numerous city vehicles, lift/pump
stations, street lights, and street signals. Each of these components of the City’s
operational infrastructure consume grid-based electricity, natural gas, gasoline, or diesel
fuel. For the baseline 2015 year, the City of Elk River municipal operations totaled 5,922.33
Metric Tonnes (13,056,487 pounds) CO2e while the ERMU operations totaled 1,532.77
Metric Tonnes (3,379,175 pounds) CO2e. Together, these emissions represent over 146
million cubic feet of man-made greenhouse atmosphere annually.
The sections which follow detail the breakdown of these total operational emissions for the
City as well as ERMU within the categories of Buildings and Grounds, Streetlights and
Signals, Vehicles, Transportation and Travel, Water and Wastewater, and Solid Waste. The
calculations and emissions factors used to arrive at these emission totals can be found in
the appendix of this report.
Community Comparisons
The results of community GHG inventories vary somewhat due to the information
collected, as well as the range of services provided by city entities directly, services
contracted out on behalf of the subject city, or services which are provided by entirely
separate governmental agencies or privatized. Consequently, a direct city-to-city
comparison should not be viewed as a comprehensive comparison of Greenhouse Gas
emission efficiencies. We believe, however, that as an emerging practice, municipalities
should look towards building and sharing data in order to develop a stronger
understanding of where each municipality can advance efficiencies and meet
Greenhouse Gas reduction goals. The following is a brief comparison of City Operations
Emissions between a few Twin City Metro communities:
Opportunities for Reduction
The sections in this report summarizing each GHG inventory category include
identification of potential opportunities for reduction. Though not comprehensive, these
strategies represent municipal best practices which the City may benefit from continuing,
expanding, or implementing. We have selected a few we believe the City may benefit
from the most and have included them in Potential Next Steps for The City of Elk River
Volume Visualization
The graphic above represents the volume of man-made GHG atmosphere produced
annually by the City of Elk River operations (blue) and ERMU operations (green)
emissions totals. The volume of atmosphere is equal to a cube 527 feet on each face,
with a total volume of 146,277,466 cubic feet, roughly the volume of Orono3x
Executive Summary
City Operations Total
5,922.33 Metric Tonnes
79.44%
ERMU Operations Total
1,532.77 Metric Tonnes
20.56%
146,277,466
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
7,455.10
Metric Tonnes
Total City Emissions
City Operations Metric Tonnes
Elk River:5,922 Total 49 /FTE 43/Facility SF
Maplewood:5,267 Total 32 /FTE 48/Facility sf
Edina:24,939 Total 50 /FTE
Bloomington:17,974 Total 58 /FTE
Falcon Heights:397 Total 24 /FTE
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
4
Opportunities for Reduction
The City of Elk River has already engaged in a number of efforts aimed at reducing the
energy consumption of existing City owned facilities. A number of the City’s facilities,
including Public Works and the Library perform well when compared against both B3 peer
groups as well as EPA Energy Star averages.
A few of the City’s facilities have weaker energy performance when compared B3 and
EnergyStar. These include the Public Safety, Ice Arena, and the Waste Water Treatment
Plant. Making energy efficiency improvements to these three facilities to align them with
the EnergyStar median EUI performance (88 for Public Safety, 42 for Ice Arena, and
2.89KBTU per gallon per day for Waste Water) would reduce a total of 10,557,000 KBTU
and may represent a savings of $100,000 or more annually.
Recommendations:
· Engage a consultant team to conduct a detailed Facility Assessment and Energy
Audit and develop an energy efficiency action plan for the Public Safety, Ice
Arena, and Waste Water facilities.
· Explore the feasibility of installation of renewable energy generation on one or
more City facility.
How do City Operated Buildings and Grounds contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
According to the US Department of Energy, use for buildings accounts for 41% of the total US
energy consumption nationally. Building heating and cooling, lighting, and electronic
equipment use makes up nearly 70% of all commercial building energy use. In the two
decades between 1980 and 2009, the total energy consumed by our buildings increased 49%.
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with that building energy use comes from direct
emissions of fossil fuels burned on site (natural gas, fuel oil, etc), as well as indirectly from fossil
fuels burned to create electricity off-site. The greenhouse gas emissions factor associated with
on-site fuel use is directly related to the carbon content of the fuels burned (see Community
Wide Energy Use for fuel factors). The emissions factor associated with electricity use varies
based on the raw fuel sources used by the electrical utilities suppling the local electrical grid –
utility providers who source more of their power through renewable energy sources, have
commensurately lower GHG emission factors.
Police Station
Emission Volume City Hall
Emission Volume
Library
Emission
Volume
City Operations
Buildings and Grounds
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
54.92%
City Operations
Total
63,821,145
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
3,252.68
Metric Tonnes
Summary of Findings*
For the City Operations Baseline year of 2015, the eleven City of Elk River buildings reporting to
B3 Benchmarking consumed a total of 3,215,907 kwh of electricity and 135,447 therms of
natural gas. This relates to an average Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 106.77 kBTU’s per square
foot of building space. According to the State’s B3 Benchmarking system, on a building by
building basis this EUI performance ranges from 27th percentile performance (Public Safety) to
100th percentile performance (Public Works). When compared against the EPA’s Energy Star
EUI reference index, the City of Elk River’s total facility EUI is 135% of the median EUI of 78.8.
The GHG emission associated with City of Elk River buildings and grounds energy use for the
Baseline year of 2015 totaled 3,226.55 Metric Tonnes (7,113,317 pounds) CO2e. Total GHG
emissions equal 23.19 pounds CO2e per facility square foot per year. Emissions associated with
electricity use were 77.7% while natural gas use emissions equaled 22.3% of the total GHG
emissions.
When Normalized for Weather, total annual energy consumption for City of Elk River buildings
and grounds is adjusted downward 0.98% for electricity and upward 10% for natural gas. The
resulting Weather Normalized annual Building and Grounds GHG increases 0.8% to a total of
3,252.68 Metric Tonnes.
* Sources: energy consumption as reported on B3 Benchmarking, emission factors based on US EPA and Excel Energy,
Volume Visualization
the light gray mass represents the Police, City Hall, and Library facilities relative height
compared with the annual emissions associated with building operations for City
owned facilities. These emissions represent an average volume of man-made
atmosphere equal to a mass over high for each of the 11 buildings included.206’
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
5
Opportunities for Reduction
Approximately 20% of the Elk River streetlight infrastructure are LED light fixtures, with the
remaining 80% being High Pressure Sodium. According to a 2012 Minnesota Department
of Commerce study, switching from HPS to LED luminaires typically produces 40% to 60%
savings in electricity consumption if the system is properly designed. In addition, wireless
control and monitoring systems can allow the city to implement dimming strategies that
may reduce street lighting energy consumption by another 10-20%.
By continuing to convert from HPS to LED street lighting fixtures, energy consumption
associated with street lighting should be reduced by 120,000 to 180,000 kwh annually. This
reduction in energy consumption would mean a reduction of 80 to 130 Metric Tonnes of
CO2e annually.
How do City Streetlights and Signals contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
As with Buildings and Grounds, the electricity used to supply our street lighting is a source of
Greenhouse Gas. The emissions factor associated with electricity use varies based on the raw
fuel sources used by the electrical utilities suppling the local electrical grid – utility providers who
source more of their power through renewable energy sources, have commensurately lower
GHG emission factors.
According to a 2011 study by the Lighting Research Center, on average, municipal lighting
uses 4 kwh per mile of street light coverage. Assuming an average of 4,300 hours of operation
annually, that represents 17,520 kwh of energy use and a GHG emission of 12.37 Metric Tonnes
(12,271 pounds) of CO2e annually per mile of street lighting.
Summary of Findings*
For the City Operations Baseline year of 2015, Elk River Municipal Utilities reports a total electrical
use of 377,143 kwh for City owned streetlights and signals. The GHG emission associated with
City of Elk River Streetlight energy use for the Baseline year of 2015 totaled 266.18 Metric Tonnes
(586,826 pounds) CO2e.
* Sources: City of Elk River and Elk River Municipal Utilities data, emission factors based on US EPA and Excel Energy,
City Operations
Streetlights and Signals
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
5,222,830
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
266.18
Metric Tonnes
Cubic Feet of man-made
Atmosphere annually
For every family in
Elk River (Figure to scale)880
Operations of City of Elk River
streetlights and signals produces
a volume of greenhouse gas
equal to:
4.49%
City Operations
Total
According to the US EPA:
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is
produced from burning a fuel weighs more
than the amount of the fuel itself, because
during complete combustion, each carbon
atom in the fuel combines with two oxygen
atoms in the air to make CO2. The addition
of two oxygen atoms to each carbon atom
forms CO2, which has an atomic weight of
44—roughly 3.6667 times the atomic weight
of the carbon, which is 12.
How can GHG
emissions weigh more
than the fuel we burn
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
6
Opportunities for Reduction
Recommendations from Greenstep Cities offer a range of best practice concepts which
can greatly reduce municipal fleet fuel consumption when implemented and reviewed
regularly for continued advancement. Best practices which the City of Elk River may be
able to leverage for continued fuel efficiency include:
Efficiently use existing fleet of city vehicles by encouraging trip bundling, video
conferencing, carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology.
No-Idling practices and policies
Vehicle replacement plan to migrate to electric and hybrid vehicles.
Optimize street maintenance and snow plowing routes for highest fuel economy.
Explore Efficiency Programs focused on diesel engine retrofits, installation of
auxiliary power units
Conduct a Sidewalk and Trails study to identify opportunities to encourage and
increase biking and walking as transit options both for city employees as well as the
public.
How do City Vehicles contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Fossil Fuels used in transportation produce GHG when burned, primarily CO2. In fact, the
weight of CO2 produced actually exceeds the weight of the fuel burned. The amount of GHG
produced by common vehicle fuels ranges from 19.4 pounds per gallon for gasoline to 22.5
pounds for diesel.
Nationally, Americans drive over 3 trillion miles annually, producing 1.2 billion Metric Tonnes of
vehicle related GHG emissions.*
*For more information:http://www.bluedotregister.org/carbon-copy/2014/12/11/a-mountain-of-an-impact-the-carbon-footprint-of-
american-roads
City Operations
City Vehicles
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
14,499,678
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
744.08
Metric Tonnes
Summary of Findings*
The City of Elk River owns and operates vehicles as a critical support to functions in Police, Fire,
Public Works, Streets, Parks, Waste Water, and City Administration functions. During the 2015
Baseline year, the City’s vehicle fleet used 53,691 gallons of gasoline and 79,872 gallons of
diesel fuel. The emissions volume associated with the fleet’s fuel consumption totaled 744.08
Metric Tonnes (1,640,414 pounds) CO2e, approximately 0.60% of community wide vehicle
emissions.**
* Sources: City of Elk River data, emission factors based on US EPA and EIA.
**Based on Regional Indicators Initiative data.
Operations of City of Elk River vehicles
generates a volume of greenhouse gas that
would cover municipal streets to a depth of:
(Figure to scale against typical public works snow plow)
Municipal streets within the City of
Elk River total253 12’
12.56%
City Operations
Total
Lane Miles
Commute
788,618 Miles
336.47 Metric Tonnes
Travel - Car
10,399 Miles
4.03 Metric Tonnes
Travel - Air
24,539 Miles
6.72 Metric Tonnes
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
7
Opportunities for Reduction
Business Travel Optimization by encouraging trip bundling, video conferencing,
carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology.
Explore Partnership with Nice Ride Minnesota for installation of bike sharing locations
convenient to city staff as well as community members as strategy to increase commute
via public transit and bike.
Implement Public Transit Commuter Campaign by building awareness through
communicating public transit routes, establish carpool groups, and communicate
reimbursement potentials available under December 2015 US Consolidated
Appropriations Act (HR 2029)
http://www.nctr.usf.edu/programs/clearinghouse/commutebenefits/
How does City Employee Transportation contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
The City’s operational travel and transport emissions come from three primary sources:
employee commute to and from work, auto-oriented business travel within region, and business
air travel regionally/nationally.
As with the City Vehicle sector of City Operations GHG emissions, employee travel to and from
work and required business travel regionally and out of state require fossil fuel use. The amount
of GHG produced by common transportation fuels ranges from 19.4 pounds per gallon for
gasoline to 21.5 pounds for jet fuel and 22.5 pounds for diesel.
City Operations
Employee Transportation
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
6,812,715
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
347.21
Metric Tonnes
Summary of Findings*
According to the City’s 2015 employee commuter survey, the average round-trip employee
commute distance is 26.07 compared with the US Census estimated community-wide average
of 38 miles. City employee work commutes surveyed are entirely in single occupant vehicle.
Total annual vehicle miles traveled for City employee commute is calculated at 788,618 miles.
Total City employee commuter emissions for the 2015 Baseline year equal 336.47 Metric Tonnes
(741,788 pounds) CO2e.
Business travel through the Baseline 2015 year totaled 10,399 miles for road transportation and
24,530 miles for air transportation. Annual emissions associated with this business travel equal
4.03 Metric Tonnes for auto, and 6.72 Metric Tonnes for air for a total of 10.75 Metric Tonnes
(23,670 pounds) CO2e.
The 347.11 Metric Tonnes associated with these three City Operations travel and transportation
equal 0.28% of Community Wide travel and transportation emissions.**
* Sources: City of Elk River data, emission factors based on US EPA and EIA. Calculations for car business travel were calculated
based on current reimbursement rates. Calculations for air business travel were calculated based on national average cost-per-
mile data http://airlines.org/data/annual-round-trip-fares-and-fees-domestic/
** Community-wide total travel and transportation GHG emissions total 124,096 Metric Tonnes. Source Regional Indicators Initiative.
Emissions associated with employee commute
And business travel total
56,303
Cubic Feet of man-made
atmosphere per City
employee (Figure to scale)
5.86%
City Operations
Total
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
8
Opportunities for Reduction
Recommendations:
· Engage a consultant team to conduct a detailed Facility Assessment and Energy
Audit and develop an energy efficiency action plan for the City of Elk River
Wastewater facilities.
· Explore the feasibility of installation of renewable energy generation to support City
of Elk River wastewater functions.
How do the provision of Water and Wastewater Utilities contribute to Greenhouse Gas
Emissions?
Water and energy use are inextricably linked in modern cities. Energy is required to extract,
treat, and distribute water to residences and businesses. Nationally, the United States
consumes over 355 billion gallons of water daily, requiring an estimated 500 billion kwh annually
to distribute to users. Globally, water treatment and distribution is estimated to contribute 2-3%
of total greenhouse gas emissions annually.
As with water processing and distribution, Wastewater collection and treatment requires
energy inputs. With our current energy grid, those energy inputs are significantly fossil fuel
based.
In addition to emissions associated with fossil fuel use, wastewater treatment produces
significant “Biogenic” emissions associated with the microbial processing of the waste solids.
The primary gas emitted during biological nitrogen removal is Nitrous Oxide (N2O), a
greenhouse gas with a potency roughly 300 times that of CO2. With such potency and an
observed increase of atmospheric N2O of over 17%, ongoing studies by the US EPA and
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) continue to refine understanding of the
origins, impacts, and reduction strategies for wastewater N2O emissions.
For the purposes of GHG calculations for community carbon footprint reporting, these
“Biogenic” emissions are considered to be a part of the biological carbon cycle and are not
currently included in the GHG totals. Protocols may change in the future to include
wastewater Biogenic N2O emissions.
Daily emissions associated with Elk River Waste
Water treatment represent:63,455
Cubic Feet of man-made
atmosphere
(Figure to scale)
13
Cubic Feet per household
per day Figure to scale)
City Operations
Water and Wastewater
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
25,577,632
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
1,303.58
Metric Tonnes
Summary of Findings*
The City of Elk River operates the Elk River Waste Water Treatment plant (WWT). For the Baseline
2015 year, the WWT plant processed 463,000,000 gallons of waste water, serving 4900 customers
averaging 259 gallons per customer connection per day. The Elk River WWT plant used
1,138,145 kwh of electricity and 43,486 therms of natural gas through the Baseline 2015 year,
while sanitary sewer line lift stations operated by the City required 382,154 kwh of electricity.
Greenhouse Gas emissions associated with WWT operations total 1,303.58 Metric Tonnes
(2,873,872 pounds) CO2e, equating to 0.09 ounces per gallon of waste water treated.
Water service in the City of Elk River is provided by Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU). Energy
use and total emissions associated with the water utility are reported in the ERMU sections in this
report.
* Sources: energy consumption as reported by City of Elk River, emission factors based on US EPA and Excel Energy,
22.01%
City Operations
Total
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
9
Opportunities for Reduction
We recommend that the City of Elk River conduct a detailed waste sort study to span a
minimum of one full week of collection. The waste sort study should focus on total MSW
collected, recycling materials collected, and waste characteristics. Data from this study
combined with community wide data should reveal opportunities for increased efficiency
and decreased total landfill waste stream.
How does City Operations Solid Waste contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
According to US EPA studies, traditional waste management contributes 1-5% of our collective
GHG emissions in the United States. The processing and treatment of waste can produce
emissions of several of the greenhouse gases. Even recycling of waste produces some
greenhouse gas emissions, however, these are usually offset by the reduction in fossil fuel use
that would be required to create a similar amount of product from raw resources.
The most prevalent greenhouse gas produced through municipal solid waste is the methane
released during the breakdown of organic matter in landfills. Pound for pound, the cumulative
climate change effect of methane is 25 times more potent than that of carbon dioxide.
Additionally, municipal solid waste is frequently combusted, which produces CO2 as well as
nitrous oxide (N2O) which is 298 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas.
City Operations
Solid Waste
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
168,805
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
8.60
Metric Tonnes
0.15%
City Operations
Total
Summary of Findings*
The volume of the City facilities’ solid waste handled are not currently measured by the City’s
waste handlers. Community wide total solid waste handled, total recycled waste, and totaled
solid waste sent to landfill are recorded. Using this data to establish community-wide averages
for waste volume for Elk River per capita, the total municipal solid waste (MSW) from City
facilities can be estimated.
MSW handled from City of Elk River facilities for Baseline year 2015 is estimated to total 28.67
tons, or 474 pounds of waste annually per City employee (FTE). Using the community wide
blended GHG factor for MSW handled, the GHG emissions associated with City of Elk River
facility waste handled totals 8.6 Metric Tonnes (18,960 pounds) CO2e.
* Sources: Total waste handled data, and community waste characteristics based on Regional Indicators Initiative and MPCA.
Blended emission factor per ton MSW handled based on Regional Indicators Initiative.
Annual emissions associated with solid waste
generated at Elk River facilities totals:1,395
Cubic Feet of man-made
Atmosphere per employee
(Figure to scale)
5.5
Cubic Feet per pound of solid
waste (Figure to scale)
Nationally, emissions from solid waste landfills
total 301,203,000,000 pounds annually,
creating a volume of man-made atmosphere
equal to 2.7 Trillion cubic feet.
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory
10
City Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions
GHG emissions for the 2015 City Operations Baseline year total 5,922.33 Metric Tonnes
(13,056,487 pounds) CO2e, an emission rate of 31.92 Metric Tonnes per employee (FTE), or 42.57
pounds CO2e per City facility per year. The City Operations total GHG emissions represent
1.36% of Elk River community-wide GHG emissions*. City Operation emissions are as follows:
City Buildings and Grounds 3,252.68 Metric Tonnes (54.92%)
Streetlights and Signals 266.18 Metric Tonnes (4.49%)
City Vehicles 744.48 Metric Tonnes (12.56%)
Employee Travel and Transportation 347.21 Metric Tonnes (5.86%)
Water and Wastewater 1,303.58 Metric Tonnes (22.01%)
Solid Waste 8.06 Metric Tonnes (0.15%)
Total: 5,922.36 Metric Tonnes (100%)
* Community Wide total as reported by Regional Indicators Initiative
City Operations
Total
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
Indirect GHG Emissions Not Included
The total GHG emissions captured by this assessment do not do not include indirect emissions
associated with city food and product purchases, or with services provided to the City of Elk
River such as professional consulting. On average, indirect full supply chain emissions
associated with products and services purchased equal 1 pound of CO2e per dollar spent.
116,202,806
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
5,922.33
Metric Tonnes
Buildings and Grounds
Solid Waste
Employee Transportation
Water and Wastewater
City Vehicles
Streetlights and Signals
Volume Visualization
The graphic above represents the volume of man-made GHG atmosphere produced
annually by the City of Elk River operations, broken down by category, shown in scale
with Elk River City Hall and Orono Lake in foreground.
Elk River Municipal Utilities
GHG Baseline Inventory
11
Opportunities for Reduction
For the Baseline year of 2015, ERMU facility energy use averaged 2,696kwh/MG of water
produced. Based on the studies outlined above, this represents an energy use at 150% of
both the GWRC global average as well as the Wisconsin State median for ERMU capacity
class. If ERMU facility energy consumption could be optimized beyond its current levels to
meet these averages of 1,800 kwh/MG, ERMU total greenhouse gas emissions could be
reduced over 550 Metric Tonnes and a potential corresponding energy cost reduction of
up to $55,000 annually (based on ERMU cost per kwh purchased).
Recommendations:
· Engage a consultant team to conduct a detailed Facility Assessment and Energy
Audit and develop an energy efficiency action plan for the ERMU facilities.
· Explore the feasibility of installation of renewable energy generation on one or
more ERMU facility.
The US EPA identified energy intensity for Massachusetts water
utilities at 1,500 kwh/MG. In a 2008 study in the state of New
York, the energy consumption at drinking water facilities ranged
from 600-1,080 kWh/MG. Beyond the United States, Global
Water Research Coalition compiled energy data from their
members and established energy use in water facilities globally
to range from 378-3,823 kWh/MG, with typical values of 1,800
kWh/MG reported (GWRC 2008). Finally, the State of Wisconsin
Energy Office which tracks energy use for water utilities within
the State shows a median energy use of 1,810 kwh/MG for water
utilities with 4,000 or more customers (largest category) and a
median energy use for all water utilities regardless of size of
2,100 kwh/MG.
How do ERMU Operated Buildings and Grounds contribute to Greenhouse Gas
Emissions?
According to the US Department of Energy, use for buildings accounts for 41% of the total US
energy consumption nationally. Building heating and cooling, lighting, and electronic
equipment use makes up nearly 70% of all commercial building energy use. In the two
decades between 1980 and 2009, the total energy consumed by our buildings increased 49%.
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with that building energy use comes from direct
emissions of fossil fuels burned on site (natural gas, fuel oil, etc), as well as indirectly from fossil
fuels burned to create electricity off-site. The greenhouse gas emissions factor associated with
on-site fuel use is directly related to the carbon content of the fuels burned (see Community
Wide Energy Use for fuel factors). The emissions factor associated with electricity use varies
based on the raw fuel sources used by the electrical utilities suppling the local electrical grid –
utility providers who source more of their power through renewable energy sources, have
ERMU Operations
Buildings and Grounds
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
23,714,540
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
1,208.62
Metric Tonnes
Summary of Findings*
For the ERMU Operations Baseline year of 2015, the ERMU facilities consumed a total of
2,156,469 kwh of electricity and 16,138 therms of natural gas. The GHG emission associated
with ERMU buildings and grounds energy use for the Baseline year of 2015 totaled 1,767.61
Metric Tonnes (3,896,908 pounds) CO2e. Emissions associated with electricity use were 95.2%
while natural gas use emissions equaled 4.8% of the total GHG emissions.
When Normalized for Weather, total annual energy consumption for ERMU buildings and
grounds is adjusted downward 1.9% for electricity and upward 10% for natural gas. The
resulting Weather Normalized annual Building and Grounds GHG increases 1.3% to a total of
1,744.96 Metric Tonnes.
* Sources: energy consumption as reported on B3 Benchmarking, emission factors based on US EPA and Excel Energy,
Emissions associated with ERMU
buildings and grounds equal:
51Cubic Inches of man-
made atmosphere for
every gallon of water
pumped.
(Figure to scale)
78.85%
ERMU Operations
Total
Emissions from this bucket truck would fill a volume
equal to a vehicle 4 stories tall and over
Elk River Municipal Utilities
GHG Baseline Inventory
12
Opportunities for Reduction
Recommendations from Greenstep Cities offer a range of best practice concepts which
can greatly reduce municipal fleet fuel consumption when implemented and reviewed
regularly for continued advancement. Best practices which Elk River Municipal Utilities
may be able to leverage for continued fuel efficiency include:
Efficiently use existing fleet of ERMU vehicles by encouraging trip bundling, video
conferencing, carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology.
No-Idling practices and policies
Vehicle replacement plan to migrate to electric and hybrid vehicles.
Explore Efficiency Programs focused on diesel engine retrofits, installation of
auxiliary power units
How do ERMU Vehicles contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Fossil Fuels used in transportation produce GHG when burned, primarily CO2. In fact, the
weight of CO2 produced actually exceeds the weight of the fuel burned. The amount of GHG
produced by common vehicle fuels ranges from 19.4 pounds per gallon for gasoline to 22.5
pounds for diesel.
Nationally, Americans drive over 3 trillion miles annually, producing 1.2 billion Metric Tonnes of
vehicle related GHG emissions.*
*For more information:http://www.bluedotregister.org/carbon-copy/2014/12/11/a-mountain-of-an-impact-the-carbon-footprint-of-
american-roads
ERMU Operations
ERMU Vehicles
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
3,881,696
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
197.83
Metric Tonnes
Summary of Findings*
ERMU owns and operates vehicles as a critical support to all functions related to providing
electrical and water utilities to its customers. During the 2015 Baseline year, ERMU’s vehicle fleet
used 14,310 gallons of gasoline and 6,930 gallons of diesel fuel. The emissions volume
associated with the fleet’s fuel consumption totaled 197.83 Metric Tonnes (436,139 pounds)
CO2e, approximately 0.16% of community wide vehicle emissions**.
* Sources: City of Elk River data, emission factors based on US EPA and EIA.
**Based on Regional Indicators Initiative data.
12.91%
ERMU Operations
Total
Volume Visualization
On average, the emissions from each ERMU vehicle produce a quantity of man-made
atmosphere filling a volume the size of the vehicle.163 times
130’ long
According to the US EPA:
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is
produced from burning a fuel weighs more
than the amount of the fuel itself, because
during complete combustion, each carbon
atom in the fuel combines with two oxygen
atoms in the air to make CO2. The addition
of two oxygen atoms to each carbon atom
forms CO2, which has an atomic weight of
44—roughly 3.6667 times the atomic weight
of the carbon, which is 12.
How can GHG
emissions weigh more
than the fuel we burn
Elk River Municipal Utilities
GHG Baseline Inventory
13
Opportunities for Reduction
Business Travel Optimization by encouraging trip bundling, video conferencing,
carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology.
Explore Partnership with Nice Ride Minnesota for installation of bike sharing locations
convenient to city staff as well as community members as strategy to increase commute
via public transit and bike.
Implement Public Transit Commuter Campaign by building awareness through
communicating public transit routes, establish carpool groups, and communicate
reimbursement potentials available under December 2015 US Consolidated
Appropriations Act (HR 2029)
http://www.nctr.usf.edu/programs/clearinghouse/commutebenefits/
Commute
273,375 Miles
116.79 Metric Tonnes
Travel - Car
3,850 Miles
1.49 Metric Tonnes
Travel - Air
18,426 Miles
5.05 Metric Tonnes
How does Employee Transportation contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
ERMU’s operational travel and transport emissions come from three primary sources: employee
commute to and from work, auto-oriented business travel within region, and business air travel
regionally/nationally.
Employee travel to and from work and required business travel regionally and out of state
require fossil fuel use. The amount of GHG produced by common transportation fuels ranges
from 19.4 pounds per gallon for gasoline to 21.5 pounds for jet fuel and 22.5 pounds for diesel.
ERMU Operations
Employee Transportation
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
2,419,832
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
123.33
Metric Tonnes
Summary of Findings*
Using the City of Elk River’s city employee commuter survey as a basis for ERMU employee
commute, the average round-trip employee commute distance is 26.07 compared with the US
Census estimated community-wide average of 38 miles. Employee work commutes surveyed
by the City are entirely in single occupant vehicle. Based on these statistics, the total annual
vehicle miles traveled for ERMU employee commute is estimated at 273,375 miles annually.
Total ERMU employee commuter emissions for the 2015 Baseline year are estimated at 116.79
Metric Tonnes (257,478 pounds) CO2e.
Business travel for ERMU employees through the Baseline 2015 year totaled 3,850 miles for road
transportation and 18,426 miles for air transportation. Annual emissions associated with this
business travel equal 1.49 Metric Tonnes for auto, and 5.05 Metric Tonnes for air for a total of
6.45 Metric Tonnes (14,220 pounds) CO2e.
The 123.33 Metric Tonnes associated with these three ERMU Operations travel and
transportation equal 0.1% of Community Wide travel and transportation emissions.**
* Sources: City of Elk River data, emission factors based on US EPA and EIA. Calculations for car business travel were calculated
based on current reimbursement rates. Calculations for air business travel were calculated based on national average cost-per-
mile data http://airlines.org/data/annual-round-trip-fares-and-fees-domestic/
** Community-wide total travel and transportation GHG emissions total 124,096 Metric Tonnes. Source Regional Indicators Initiative.
8.05%
ERMU Operations
Total
Emissions associated with employee commute
And business travel total
57,615
Cubic Feet of man-made
atmosphere per ERMU
employee (Figure to scale)
Annual emissions associated with solid waste
generated at ERMU facilities totals:1,395
Cubic Feet of man-made
Atmosphere per employee
(Figure to scale)
5.5
Cubic Feet per pound of solid
waste (Figure to scale)
Nationally, emissions from solid waste landfills
total 301,203,000,000 pounds annually,
creating a volume of man-made atmosphere
equal to 2.7 Trillion cubic feet.
Elk River Municipal Utilities
GHG Baseline Inventory
14
Opportunities for Reduction
We recommend that Elk River Municipal Utilities conduct a detailed waste sort study to
span a minimum of one full week of collection. The waste sort study should focus on total
MSW collected, recycling materials collected, and waste characteristics. Data from this
study combined with community wide data should reveal opportunities for increased
efficiency and decreased total landfill waste stream.
How does ERMU Operations Solid Waste contribute to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
According to US EPA studies, traditional waste management contributes 1-5% of our collective
GHG emissions in the United States. The processing and treatment of waste can produce
emissions of several of the greenhouse gases. Even recycling of waste produces some
greenhouse gas emissions, however, these are usually offset by the reduction in fossil fuel use
that would be required to create a similar amount of product from raw resources.
The most prevalent greenhouse gas produced through municipal solid waste is the methane
released during the breakdown of organic matter in landfills. Pound for pound, the cumulative
climate change effect of methane is 25 times more potent than that of carbon dioxide.
Additionally, municipal solid waste is frequently combusted, which produces CO2 as well as
nitrous oxide (N2O) which is 298 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas.
ERMU Operations
Solid Waste
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
58,594
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
2.99
Metric Tonnes
Summary of Findings*
The volume of the ERMU facilities’ solid waste handled are not currently measured by the
Utility’s waste handlers. Community wide total solid waste handled, total recycled waste, and
totaled solid waste sent to landfill are recorded. Using this data to establish community-wide
averages for waste volume for Elk River per capita, the total municipal solid waste (MSW) from
ERMU facilities can be estimated.
MSW handled from ERMU facilities for Baseline year 2015 is estimated to total 9.95 tons, or 474
pounds of waste annually per ERMU employee (FTE). Using the community wide blended GHG
factor for MSW handled, the GHG emissions associated with ERMU facility waste handled totals
2.99 Metric Tonnes (6,592 pounds) CO2e.
* Sources: Total waste handled data, and community waste characteristics based on Regional Indicators Initiative and MPCA.
Blended emission factor per ton MSW handled based on Regional Indicators Initiative.
0.19%
ERMU Operations
Total
Elk River Municipal Utilities
GHG Baseline Inventory
15
ERMU Operations Greenhouse Gas Emissions
For the Baseline year 2015, Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) pumped a total of 799,974,000
gallons of water serving 4,762 customers and sold a total of 282,265,268 kwh to 10,499
customers. Electricity sold by ERMU is produced by third party entities and the operational
emissions associated with their electricity production are not included in this report.
GHG emissions for the 2015 ERMU Operations Baseline year total 1,532.77 Metric Tonnes
(3,379,175 pounds) CO2e, an emission rate of 36.49 Metric Tonnes per employee (FTE), or 3.38
pounds CO2e/MG water pumped. The City Operations total GHG emissions represent 0.35% of
Elk River community-wide GHG emissions*. ERMU Operation emissions are as follows:
ERMU Buildings and Grounds 1,208.62 Metric Tonnes (78.85%)
ERMU Vehicles 197.83 Metric Tonnes (12.91%)
Employee Travel and Transportation 123.33 Metric Tonnes (8.05%)
Solid Waste 2.99 Metric Tonnes (0.19%)
Total: 1,533.62 Metric Tonnes (100%)
ERMU Operations
Total
Annual Greenhouse Gas equal to:
30,074,661
Cubic Feet of
Man-Made
Atmosphere
1,532.77
Metric Tonnes
Buildings and Grounds
Solid Waste
Employee Transportation
ERMU Vehicles
Indirect GHG Emissions Not Included
The total GHG emissions captured by this assessment do not do not include indirect emissions
associated with ERMU food and product purchases, or with services provided to Elk River
Municipal Utilities such as professional consulting. On average, indirect full supply chain
emissions associated with products and services purchased equal 1 pound of CO2e per dollar
spent.
* Community Wide total as reported by Regional Indicators Initiative
Volume Visualization
The graphic above represents the volume of man-made GHG atmosphere produced
annually by the Elk River Municipal Utilities operations, broken down by category. The
volume of atmosphere is equal to a cube 311 feet on each face, with a total volume
approximately the volume of Orono Lake, illustrated to the right.60%
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory Apendix
City of Elk River Buildings and Grounds Detail
City Operations Carbon Baseline
Buildings and Grounds
Facility 2015 Baseline % Total
Electricity Use
Base Accounts (actual)KWH
City Hall / Public Utilities 337,638.33 10.50%
Ice Arena 946,768.82 29.44%
Library 213,751.33 6.65%
Public Safety 778,351.67 24.20%
Fire Station 1 63,539.93 1.98%
Lions Park Center 31,825.26 0.99%
North Bound Liquor 206,956.56 6.44%
Public Works 332,875.00 10.35%
Senior Activity Center 115,358.67 3.59%
Waste Water Treatment Plant*0.00 0.00%
West Bound Liquor 188,840.94 5.87%
Subtotal Base Accounts 3,215,906.52 100.00%
New Accounts (actual)
Subtotal New Accounts 0.00 0.00%
Total Electrical Use (actual)3,215,906.52 100.00%
Natural Gas Use
Base Accounts (actual)Therms
City Hall / Public Utilities 31,421.15 23.20%
Ice Arena 45,906.41 33.89%
Library 0.00 0.00%
Public Safety 13,590.79 10.03%
Fire Station 1 9,274.43 6.85%
Lions Park Center 2,852.06 2.11%
North Bound Liquor 4,200.64 3.10%
Public Works 21,271.12 15.70%
Senior Activity Center 4,486.45 3.31%
Waste Water Treatment Plant 0.00 0.00%
West Bound Liquor 2,443.97 1.80%
Subtotal Base Accounts 135,447.02 100.00%
New Accounts (actual)
Subtotal New Accounts 0.00 0.00%
Total Natural Gas Use (actual)135,447.02 100.00%
Energy Use Intensity (EUI - Site)
Base Accounts (actual)Building Area (sF)Total KBTU EUI
City Hall / Public Utilities 45,195 4,294,137.14 95.01
Ice Arena 62,125 7,821,016.13 125.89
Library 16,818 729,319.55 43.37
Public Safety 35,898 4,014,814.67 111.84
Fire Station 1 14,370 1,144,241.65 79.63
Lions Park Center 8,050 393,793.84 48.92
North Bound Liquor 12,610 1,126,199.73 89.31
Public Works 81,400 3,262,881.23 40.08
Senior Activity Center 10,600 842,249.23 79.46
Waste Water Treatment Plant 9,264 8,231,961.98 888.60
West Bound Liquor 10,388 888,722.26 85.55
Total for Base Accounts 306,718 32,749,337.42 106.77
New Accounts (actual)
Total for New Accounts 0 0.00 0.00
Average EUI (actual)306,718 32,749,337 106.77
GHG Emissions
Electricity Emissions (actual)
Factor (Metric Tonnes per KWH)*0.00078
Base Accounts (Metric Tonnes)2,508.41 100.00%
New Accounts (Metric Tonnes)0.00 0.00%
Subtotal Electric GHG Emissions 2,508.41 Metric Tonnes
Natural Gas Emissions (actual)
Factor (Metric Tonnes per Therm)0.005302
Base Accounts (Metric Tonnes)718.14 100.00%
New Accounts (Metric Tonnes)0.00 0.00%
Subtotal Gas GHG Emissions 718.14 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions (actual)3,226.55 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions (actual) per Facility Square Foot 23.19 pounds
Level of Confidence:High1
Weather Normalized Totals***
Normalization Factors
HDD Normalizaiton Factor 112.68%
CDD Normalization Factor 92.55%
Normalized Energy Use
Weather Normalized Total Electrical Use 3,156,010.26
Weather Normalized Total Gas Use 149,186.77
Normalized GHG Emissions
Weather Normalized Electrical GHG 2,461.69 Metric Tonnes
Weather Normalized Gas GHG 790.99 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions (Normalized)3,252.68 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:High1
* Electicity factor based on supplier provided data, reported in Regional Indicators Initiative
****Waste Water Treatment Plant energy use included in Water and Waste Water section
** Natural Gas factor based on EPA data https://www.epa.gov/energy/ghg-equivalencies-calculator-
calculations-and-references
*** Weather Normalized totals adjust energy use and GHG levels based on adjustments of Year against the
region's 30 year average as determined through Heating (HDD) and Cooling Degree Days (CDD) for year as
reported by NOAA http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/climate-information. Factor is applied to 80% natural gas
consumption and to 25% electricity consumption (typical heating and air conditioning shares)
1 High confidence level based on high quality energy metering and tracking at all facilities, emission factor rates
from utility companies, EPA and DOE coincide, and normalization HDD and CDD calculations based on NOAA
records.
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory Apendix
City of Elk River Streetlights and Signals Detail
City of Elk River City Vehicles Detail
City Operations Carbon Baseline
Streetlights and Signals
2015 Baseline % Total
Electricity Use
Base Accounts (actual)KWH
All Base Accounts 377,143 100.00%
New Accounts (actual)
Subtotal New Accounts 0.00 0.00%
Total Electrical Use (actual)377,143.00 100.00%
GHG Emissions
Electricity Emissions (actual)
Factor (Metric Tonnes per KWH)*0.000705791
Base Accounts (Metric Tonnes)266.18 100.00%
New Accounts (Metric Tonnes)0.00 0.00%
Total GHG Emissions 266.18 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:High1
* Electicity factor based on grid specific data provided by EPA
https://www.epa.gov/energy/power-profiler
1 High confidence level based on high quality energy metering and tracking of
accounts, emission factor rates from utility companies, EPA and DOE coincide.
City Operations Carbon Baseline
City Vehicles
Department 2015 Baseline % Total
Gasoline Use Gallons
Administration 625.22 1.16%
Engineering 15.15 0.03%
Liquor 39.41 0.07%
Building and Environmental 2,154.69 4.01%
Police Department 34,806.52 64.83%
Fire Departent 4,179.38 7.78%
Street Department 2,662.13 4.96%
Building Maintenance 998.88 1.86%
Park Department 6,476.00 12.06%
Waste Water Treatment 1,733.20 3.23%
Subtotal Gasoline 53,690.57 100.00%
Diesel Use Gallons
Administration 0.00 0.00%
Engineering 0.00 0.00%
Liquor 0.00 0.00%
Building and Environmental 0.00 0.00%
Police Department 60.99 0.23%
Fire Departent 1,364.43 5.21%
Street Department 17,889.33 68.33%
Building Maintenance 13.00 0.05%
Park Department 5,656.63 21.61%
Waste Water Treatment 1,196.62 4.57%
Subtotal Diesel 26,180.99 100.00%
Total Fuel Used 79,871.56 Gallons
GHG Emissions
Gasoline Emissions
Factor (Metric Tonnes per Gallon)*0.008908565 metric tonnes
Subtotal Electric GHG Emissions 478.31 Metric Tonnes
Diesel Emissions
Factor (Metric Tonnes per Gallon)*0.010151409 metric tonnes
Subtotal Electric GHG Emissions 265.77 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions 744.08 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:High1
* Gasoline and Diesel emission factors based on EPA data:
http://www.eia.gov/oiaf/1605/coefficients.html#tbl2
1 High confidence level based on high quality fuel use tracking, well established
emission factor rates from US EPA.
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory Apendix
City of Elk River Employee Transportation Detail
City of Elk River Water and Wastewater Detail
City Operations Carbon Baseline
Water and Wastewater Utilities
2015 Baseline % Total
City Operated Facilities
Electrical Use
Base Accounts (actual)KWH
Water Utility**N/A
Waste Water Treatment Plant 1,138,145 74.86%
Lift Stations 382,154 382,154
Subtotal Base Accounts 1,520,299
New Accounts (actual)
Subtotal New Accounts 0.00 0.00%
Total Electrical Use (actual)1,520,299 100.00%
Natural Gas Use
Base Accounts (actual)Therms
Water Utility**N/A
Waste Water Treatment Plant 43,486 2.86%
Lift Stations 0
Subtotal Base Accounts 43,486
New Accounts (actual)
Subtotal New Accounts 0.00 0.00%
Total Natural Gas Use (actual)43,486 2.86%
GHG Emissions
Electricity Emissions (actual)
Factor (Metric Tonnes per KWH)*0.000705791
Base Accounts (Metric Tonnes)1,073.01 100.00%
New Accounts (Metric Tonnes)0.00 0.00%
Subtotal Electric GHG Emissions 1,073.01 Metric Tonnes
Natural Gas Emissions (actual)
Factor (Metric Tonnes per Therm)0.005302
Base Accounts (Metric Tonnes)230.56 100.00%
New Accounts (Metric Tonnes)0.00 0.00%
Subtotal Gas GHG Emissions 230.56 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions**1,303.58 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:High1
* Electicity factor based on grid specific data provided by EPA
https://www.epa.gov/energy/power-profiler
** Emissions do not include water/sanitary utility use at city owned facilities provided by
non-city owned/operated utilities. Water Utility emissions not included in City Operations.
See separate section for ERMU emissions data.
City Operations Carbon Baseline
City Employee Transportation
Department 2015 Baseline
Commute Employee Count Total Miles
Total City Employee Count 121
Average Commute Distance (Based on Employee Survey)26.07 Miles
Total City Employee Commute Travel Annual**788,618 Passenger Miles Traveled (PMT)
Single Occupant Commute Annual Share**100.00%788,618 PMT
Carpool Commute Annual Share **0.00%0 PMT
Public Transit Commute Annual Share **0.00%0 PMT
Walking/Biking Commute Annual Share**0.00%0 PMT
Average MPG**20.88
Commute GHG Emissions Factor***Subtotal
Single Occupant Commute Emission per PMT 0.000427 336 metric tonnes
Carpool Occupant Commute Emission per PMT 0.000213 0 metric tonnes
Public Transit Commute Emission per PMT 0.000107 0 metric tonnes
Walking/Biking Commute Emission per PMT 0.000000 0 metric tonnes
Total Commute GHG Emissions 336.47
Business Travel
City Business Travel - Car 10,399 Miles
City Business Travel - Air***24,530 Miles
Business Travel GHG Emissions Factor****Subtotal
Car Travel Emission per PMT 0.000387 4.03 metric tonnes
Air Travel Emission per PMT 0.000274 6.72 metric tonnes
Total Business Travel GHG Emissions 10.75
Total GHG Emissions 347.21 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:High1
* Round trip commute distance is based on City of Elk River employee survey
**Commuter statistics based on 2016 City of Elk Riverewood employee commute survey with 53 staff responding.
***Emission factors based on 100% gasoline fuel type (employee survey) with factors based on US EPA; Public Transit and
Air travel based on EPA http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/P1001177.PDF?Dockey=P1001177.PDF
1 High confidence level based on high quality ecords to establish miles traveled for both auto and air. Emission rates
based on US EPA
Elk River GHG Baseline Inventory Apendix
City of Elk River Solid Waste Detail
City Operations Carbon Baseline
Solid Waste
Annual City Facility MSW Quantity Managed (estimated)
Community Wide Total (2013 Baseline year)24,252 tons per year
Community Wide MSW per capita 2,075 lbs per year
Community Wide MSW per capita per hour 0.24 lbs per hour
Estimated Waste per employee per year*474 lbs per FTE per year
Total City Operations Waste (estimated)28.67 tons per year
GHG Emissions
Factor (Metric Tonnes per US Ton waste)***0.3308 pounds CO2e per pound MSW
Solid Waste GHG Annually 8.60 Metric Tonnes CO2e
Solid Waste GHG per FTE per Day 0.42945 pounds CO2e per FTE per day
Total GHG Emissions 8.60 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:Moderate1
* Assumes waste production per hour rate equal to community wide average based on a 40 hour
work week, 50 weeks annually.
** Emission per Regional Indicators Intiative, blended rate of 0.3308 pounds GHG per pound MSW
managed for 2013 community baseline MSW management methods.
1 Moderate confidence level based on estimations of waste rates per person are subject to
variability. Emissions factor based on on quality total community waste characteristics are good to
high. Confidence level can be increased through implementation of city facility waste sort for a
minimum of 1 week period annually as well as recycle quantity reporting from recycling handler
Apendix
ERMU Buildings and Grounds Detail
Elk River Municipal Utilities
GHG Baseline Inventory
Elk River Municipal Utilities Baseline
ERMU Buildings and Grounds
Facility 2015 Baseline % Total
Electricity Use
Base Accounts (actual)KWH
Plant 182,370.00 12.67%
Office 150,700.00 10.47%
Wells 1,478,849.00 102.71%
Proctor Road 344,550.00 23.93%
Streetlights***0.00 0.00%
Subtotal Base Accounts 1,439,820.00 100.00%
New Accounts (actual)
Subtotal New Accounts 0.00 0.00%
Total Electrical Use (actual)1,439,820.00 100.00%
Natural Gas Use
Base Accounts (actual)Therms
Plant 13,217.00 81.90%
Office 0.00 0.00%
Wells 2,921.00 18.10%
Proctor Road 0.00 0.00%
Subtotal Base Accounts 16,138.00 100.00%
New Accounts (actual)
Subtotal New Accounts 0.00 0.00%
Total Natural Gas Use (actual)16,138.00 100.00%
Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
Base Accounts (actual)Building Area (sF)Total KBTU EUI
Plant 3,822 1,943,946.44 508.62
Office 5,433 514,188.40 94.64
Wells 0 5,337,932.79 N/A
Proctor Road 7,844 1,175,604.60 149.87
Total for Base Accounts 17,099 8,971,672.23 524.69
New Accounts (actual)
Total for New Accounts 0 0.00 0.00
Average EUI (actual)17,099 8,971,672 524.69
GHG Emissions
Electricity Emissions (actual)
Factor (Metric Tonnes per KWH)*0.00078
Base Accounts (Metric Tonnes)1,123.06 100.00%
New Accounts (Metric Tonnes)0.00 0.00%
Subtotal Electric GHG Emissions 1,123.06 Metric Tonnes
Natural Gas Emissions (actual)
Factor (Metric Tonnes per Therm)0.005302
Base Accounts (Metric Tonnes)85.56 100.00%
New Accounts (Metric Tonnes)0.00 0.00%
Subtotal Gas GHG Emissions 85.56 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions (actual)1,208.62 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions (actual) per Facility Square Foot 155.83 pounds
Level of Confidence:High1
Weather Normalized Totals***
Normalization Factors
HDD Normalizaiton Factor 112.68%
CDD Normalization Factor 92.55%
Normalized Energy Use
Weather Normalized Total Electrical Use 1,413,003.35
Weather Normalized Total Gas Use 17,775.04
Normalized GHG Emissions
Weather Normalized Electrical GHG 1,102.14 Metric Tonnes
Weather Normalized Gas GHG 94.24 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions (Normalized)1,196.39 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:High1
* Electicity factor based on supplier provided data, reported in Regional Indicators Initiative
****Streetlight energy included in City Operations sections
** Natural Gas factor based on EPA data https://www.epa.gov/energy/ghg-equivalencies-calculator-
calculations-and-references
*** Weather Normalized totals adjust energy use and GHG levels based on adjustments of Year against the
region's 30 year average as determined through Heating (HDD) and Cooling Degree Days (CDD) for year as
reported by NOAA http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/climate-information. Factor is applied to 80% natural gas
consumption and to 25% electricity consumption (typical heating and air conditioning shares)
1 High confidence level based on high quality energy metering and tracking at all facilities, emission factor rates
from utility companies, EPA and DOE coincide, and normalization HDD and CDD calculations based on NOAA
records.
Apendix
ERMU Vehicles Detail
ERMU Employee Transportation Detail
Elk River Municipal Utilities
GHG Baseline Inventory
Elk River Municipal Utilities Baseline
ERMU Vehicles
Department 2015 Baseline % Total
Gasoline Use Gallons
ERMU 14,309.96 100.00%
Subtotal Gasoline 14,309.96 100.00%
Diesel Use Gallons
ERMU 6,930.20 48.43%
Subtotal Diesel 6,930.20 100.00%
Total Fuel Used 21,240.16 Gallons
GHG Emissions
Gasoline Emissions
Factor (Metric Tonnes per Gallon)*0.008908565 metric tonnes
Subtotal Electric GHG Emissions 127.48 Metric Tonnes
Diesel Emissions
Factor (Metric Tonnes per Gallon)*0.010151409 metric tonnes
Subtotal Electric GHG Emissions 70.35 Metric Tonnes
Total GHG Emissions 197.83 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:High1
* Gasoline and Diesel emission factors based on EPA data:
http://www.eia.gov/oiaf/1605/coefficients.html#tbl2
1 High confidence level based on high quality fuel use tracking, well established
emission factor rates from US EPA.
Elk River Municipal Utilities Baseline
ERMU Employee Transportation
Department 2015 Baseline % Total
Commute Employee Count Total Miles
Total ERMU Employee Count 42
Average Commute Distance (Based on Employee Survey)26.07 Miles
Total ERMU Employee Commute Travel Annual**273,735 Passenger Miles Traveled (PMT)
Single Occupant Commute Annual Share**100.00%273,735 PMT
Carpool Commute Annual Share **0.00%0 PMT
Public Transit Commute Annual Share **0.00%0 PMT
Walking/Biking Commute Annual Share**0.00%0 PMT
Average MPG**20.88
Commute GHG Emissions Factor***Subtotal
Single Occupant Commute Emission per PMT 0.000427 117 metric tonnes
Carpool Occupant Commute Emission per PMT 0.000213 0 metric tonnes
Public Transit Commute Emission per PMT 0.000107 0 metric tonnes
Walking/Biking Commute Emission per PMT 0.000000 0 metric tonnes
Total Commute GHG Emissions 116.79
Business Travel
City Business Travel - Car 3,850 Miles
City Business Travel - Air***18,426 Miles
Business Travel GHG Emissions Factor****Subtotal
Car Travel Emission per PMT 0.000387 1.49 metric tonnes
Air Travel Emission per PMT 0.000274 5.05 metric tonnes
Total Business Travel GHG Emissions 6.54
Total GHG Emissions 123.33 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:High1
* Round trip commute distance is based on City of Elk River employee survey
**Commuter statistics based on 2016 City of Elk Riverewood employee commute survey with 53 staff responding.
***Emission factors based on 100% gasoline fuel type (employee survey) with factors based on US EPA; Public Transit and
Air travel based on EPA http://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi/P1001177.PDF?Dockey=P1001177.PDF
1 High confidence level based on high quality ecords to establish miles traveled for both auto and air. Emission rates
based on US EPA
Apendix
ERMU Solid Waste Detail
Elk River Municipal Utilities
GHG Baseline Inventory
Elk River Municipal Utilities Baseline
ERMU Solid Waste
Annual City Facility MSW Quantity Managed (estimated)
Community Wide Total (2013 Baseline year)24,252 tons per year
Community Wide MSW per capita 2,075 lbs per year
Community Wide MSW per capita per hour 0.24 lbs per hour
Estimated Waste per employee per year*474 lbs per FTE per year
Total ERMU Operations Waste (estimated)9.95 tons per year
GHG Emissions
Factor (Metric Tonnes per US Ton waste)***0.3308 pounds CO2e per pound MSW
Solid Waste GHG Annually 2.99 Metric Tonnes CO2e
Solid Waste GHG per ERMU FTE per Day 0.42945 pounds CO2e per FTE per day
Total GHG Emissions 2.99 Metric Tonns
Level of Confidence:Moderate1
* Assumes waste production per hour rate equal to community wide average based on a 40 hour
work week, 50 weeks annually.
** Emission per Regional Indicators Intiative, blended rate of 0.3308 pounds GHG per pound MSW
managed for 2013 community baseline MSW management methods.
1 Moderate confidence level based on estimations of waste rates per person are subject to
variability. Emissions factor based on on quality total community waste characteristics are good to
high. Confidence level can be increased through implementation of city facility waste sort for a
minimum of 1 week period annually as well as recycle quantity reporting from recycling handler
Report Prepared by
2515 White Bear Avenue, A8
Suite 177
Maplewood, MN 55109
612-669-7056
www.bluedotregister.org